How to Write a Business Plan

by Brian Finch

Starting with the premise that there's only one chance to make a good impression, How to Write a Business Plan covers all the issues involved in producing a business plan – from profiling competitors and forecasting market development, to the importance of providing clear and concise financial information.  It also includes a full glossary, case histories and a detailed section on the related issue of how a company can best use internal business plans. 

New in this edition are summaries at the end of each chapter, updated advice on producing cash and forecasts and a more detailed questionnaire to help with forecasting.

Genres: Business

179 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[C. Hollis Crossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With literally no wasted words or rabbit trails, Brian Finch tells you how to write a business plan in his book, How to Write a Business Plan. The book is even an entertaining read, not because Finch tries to liven things up with cute stories, but because he doesn't—he's quite skilled at writing clearly and cutting to the chase in a way that is entirely helpful for his readers and that won't waste any of their time.

At the outset, Finch outlines the main points to include in a successful business plan. Then, chapter-by-chapter, he expands on the most important elements, advising readers not just on which content to include and how to present it, but also illuminating such potentially difficult concepts as financial forecasts, confidentiality statements, keeping internal politics out of your plan, and projecting risks along with solutions.

I am currently working on a business plan, and have read countless articles, book chapters, sample business plans, etc. as part of my research. Not until reading this book, however, did I begin to feel that I actually understand the process, the issues at stake, and what the really important sections of a business plan are. Finch also addresses issues I hadn't even considered, such as how trying to be too detailed may actually work against you when presenting your plan to potential investors.

Finch is British, and his examples all come from the U.K., but this never stands in the way of his content. U.S. readers (or readers from any other country, presumably) will have no difficulty understanding or implementing the concepts presented here. There is a brief section in the chapter on confidentiality in which a couple finer points of U.K. law are discussed, but this section is short and I suspect U.S. law is similar if not identical on the points discussed.

If you are writing a business plan, thinking about writing a business plan, or preparing to write a business plan, this book is indispensable to you.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It does help a lot. I’m currently working on a business plan and I needed a literature as a support. I didn’t have any knowledge before about writing business plans and this was the only book about business plan that had the “best seller” sticker in Periplus.
This book started with the very basic concept of business plan. If you’re very new about business plan and want to learn from the very first step, this certainly comes in handy.
A very comprehensive book with very understandable words. Finch even adds examples after the explanation. This book covers almost everything from the purpose of your business until the financial and organizational structure. Finch divides them into different chaptes and breaks each one of them down clearly.

[Siew Jowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic guide which gives beginners a basic concept about writing a business plan.

[Robert Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this book to write a business plan for OJ Publishing - a new book publishing company we're in the throes of setting up at www.ojpublishing.com for the purposes of publishing and selling books. It worked well. We now have an eleven page document and some clarity about what the business can do. Good, clear and concise. Recommended.

[Bryony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives you exactly what you need to write a business plan no matter the purpose. Loads of helpful examples and easy to follow to ensure you write the plan you need for your business.

[Mills College Library]

658.4012 F4921 2016

[Abdurrahman AlQahtani · Rating 3 out of 5]

(this review is for the 3rd edition, which has a different cover than the one shown above)
A nice and brief introductory on writing business plans. I liked the fact that it is 80%/20% on how to write a "business plan" (usually for establishing a new business), and how to do "business planning" where you're concerned with the status quo and future of a current business. It's very light and simple, on the expense of a style of writing that is similar to a one talking and arguing. I felt it required some extra editting to get it in a better shape.
Another small issue is that examples given are kind of scattered, and thrown as pieces here and there. A good read all in all!
One thing I learned from the book, that I need a course or a book on finance to get it right inside my head :). If you have a recommendation for me, please share!

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read book on business planning, but more about writing a plan to impress someone else, not so much for the business owner. There is a mismatch between the writing style, content and the examples. For instance, most of the examples are about are larger businesses, which probably need more detail, rather than examples about very small businesses that would appreciate the relatively simple writing style and approach.

As a sole trader in professional services, it wasn't really for me. I did like the concept of identical, equivalent or appropriate experience. But this is the fifth edition, so people must be finding it useful.

[NormaCenva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the fact that is is a "to the point book" through the time I dedicated to actually read through it, it was constantly lacking something. No, it doesn't need to be entertaining, but still, the feedbacks given were too dry for my liking. huge glossary in the end made me smile sarcasticly. No useful appendixes were included in the book, and the estimated tables quoted are unusable due to already being full. I think to save myself time in the future I just wount pick up a book, just trusting the credibility source, in this case, The Sunday times - stick with the news!

[Saretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
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